The rolling hills of Delaware's chateau country are well known for their scenery, but we think fall in all of Delaware is the most beautiful time of year. Experience the best fall foliage in Delaware on this lovely road trip. See the First State's best autumn scenery and some of the best fall colors in Delaware. The route is below. Who's ready for an adventure?
Follow our guide to the best fall foliage in Delaware.
To get directions and travel times, check out the official route on Google Maps.
The park is located in Laurel, Delaware, and features some beautiful trees that will change color all around the lake. Walk the Loblolly Trail to get a great view from all sides of the pond.
2. Head north to Killens Pond for more water views and stunning trees.
Killens Pond's trails take you around the gorgeous lake and show off some of the most amazing fall foliage in Delaware. You can see the trees beginning to turn in this mesmerizing aerial view!
You can order take out from many of the great lunch spots and settle down for a picnic on the green. When the fall foliage in Delaware reaches its peak, there's no place you'd rather be. The golden and red trees on the green in Dover certainly fit with the brick buildings that will surround you.
4. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is next! TEXT
Fall in Delaware is a great time to stop by Bombay Hook and watch birds against the backdrop of bright red, orange, and yellow trees. The meadows and marshes share the many colors of fall in Delaware with the trees.
5. Next up is Lums Pond.
This Panorama shows why Lums Pond should be your next stop for fall foliage in Delaware! Rent a kayak and paddle through the pond, enjoying the view from the middle of the lake. Even if you want to stay on the ground, look all around you - the colors of fall foliage in Delaware are vibrant!
The hills of White Clay Creek State Park is the perfect place for spotting fall foliage in Delaware. You can see out across the old farms and meadows, to really get a great view of the fall foliage in Delaware.
7. From White Clay Creek, head over to the Mount Cuba Center.
Fall Foliage at Mount Cuba includes more than trees - seasonal plants and wildflowers really complete the picture. This is one of the best places to observe fall foliage in Delaware because you really get to see stages of change throughout the grounds.
8. Finally, head to Winterthur. It will take your breath away in the fall.
Winterthur is always stunning, but the fall colors really make this place worth stopping by on your fall foliage road trip in Delaware. You can really take your time here if you'd like, stroll the grounds, rest under the large trees as leaves change and fall at your feet. You'll see some of the best fall colors in Delaware here.
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So, what are you waiting for? Take this road trip to see some of the most beautiful places and the best fall colors in Delaware during this stunning time of year. Hurry up, because once the leaves begin to change, peak fall foliage won't last long! Looking for more things to do in the fall in Delaware? We dare you to take this spooky Delaware road trip next.
With the weather starting to get chillier, it's the perfect time to schedule a relaxing road trip. The drive down Route 9 is one of the most underappreciated rides in the state, and you'll love seeing a part of Delaware that's always overlooked. Gas up the car and head out on this short jaunt this weekend! It's one of the best scenic drives in Delaware!
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If you've been searching for "scenic drives near me," the Scenic Bayshore Byway, also known as Delaware Route 9, takes you past some of the most beautiful places in Delaware.
Use this Google Maps link to follow the route on this Delaware scenic drive.
Start off in New Castle, with a visit to the historic Green at the center of town.
Next, Delaware City is a great place to catch a glimpse of the Delaware Bay, and across to Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island.
As you wind your way down the coast, you'll spot salt marshes as far as the eye can see.
Bombay Hook is right off the highway, and this National Wildlife Preserve is one of the most incredible, breathtaking places on the entire East Coast.
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In the fall and winter, thousands of migratory birds make appearances along the side of Route 9.
Technically, the last stop on the byway is the John Dickinson Plantation. This historic home is open for tours, and the grounds are gorgeous. It's a great way to end your drive along one of the prettiest scenic byways in Delaware.
However, if you continue on a bit, you'll discover a beautiful beach. Make it to Kitts Hummock at the end of your trip, and head out of the car to catch a glimpse of the bay. This abandoned beach is a great place to get some fresh air.
Have you driven along this route before? Would you agree it's one of the best scenic drives in Delaware? Let us know!
Does the idea of hitting the road and exploring the state sound thrilling to you? If you're in the mood for an adventure, there's nothing quite like jumping in the car and heading to some new-to-you places, or even places you've been to before but want to revisit and explore again. If you need some Delaware road trip ideas, we're here to help. Here are some of the best road trips in Delaware you can take:
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1-Day Road Trip In Delaware
Route: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge > Little Creek Wildlife Area > Kitts Hummock > DuPont Nature Center > Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge > Redden State Forest > Trap Pond State Park
Distance: 92.7 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours 17 minutes
This scenic Delaware road trip packs in quite a bit of beauty in just 90 miles. You'll stop at wildlife refuges, gorgeous beaches, and a state forest. What better way to see the variety of ecosystems in the state?
3-Day Weekend Road Trip In Delaware
Route: New Castle > Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge > Dover > Cape Henlopen State Park > Lewes
Distance: 97 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours
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How about exploring some small towns plus the state's capital on an awesome long weekend road trip through Delaware? While you'll cover less than 100 miles, over the course of three days, you'll have plenty of time at each stop. This is easily one of the best road trips in Delaware.
Delaware Roadside Attractions Road Trip
Route: Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church > Dover Motor Speedway > Old Mill Crab House > The Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House > Futuro House > Dogfish Head Craft Brewery > Meding's Seafood
Distance: 168 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 43 minutes
Want to see the quirkier side of Delaware? Then this road trip is for you! This Delaware road trip itinerary has stops at some of the strangest, most fascinating hidden and not-so-hidden gems around the state. And it's one that's fun for the whole family!
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Seven Wonders Of Delaware Road Trip
Route: Winterthur > New Castle County Courthouse > Chalybeate Spring > Fort Delaware > Trap Pond State Park > Indian River Inlet > Cape Henlopen
Distance: 168 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 43 minutes
Whether you want to see natural or man-made wonders, there are both on this Delaware road trip itinerary. From the stunning, fairytale-like Winterthur to Fort Delaware, Cape Henlopen, and more, this is one adventure you won't soon forget!
Spring is the perfect time to take a road trip, and you can take this Delaware road trip itinerary for some wonderful stops. You'll start out at Lucky's Coffee Shop in Wilmington, DE to fill up on caffeine and breakfast before heading to the fairy tale destination of Winterthur in Brandywine Valley. Then pick out some produce at Riverfront Market before checking out Woodland Beach. Your trip will end with a wonderful seafood dinner in Lewes. Doesn't that sound like a wonderful springtime adventure?
Best Summer Road Trip In Delaware
Route: Herring Point > Rehoboth Beach > Dewey Beach > Lewes > Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge >
Distance: 51.8 miles
Trip Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
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What better idea for a summer Delaware road trip than visiting several beaches and beach towns in one trip? When beach season is upon us, it's imperative to hang out on a gorgeous sandy beach, play in the surf, and take in the sunshine. Also, beach towns like Rehoboth are also great places to explore. (Rehoboth Beach also has a boardwalk you can spend some time on.) Find a delicious seafood restaurant, buy some souvenirs, and grab some ice cream, too!
Best Delaware Road Trip For Fall
Route: Trap Pond State Park > Killens Pond State Park > The Green > Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge > Lums Pond State Park > Newark > Mt. Cuba Center > Winterthur
Distance: 121 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours
From September to November, fall in Delaware appears like a fireworks show on the trees of our state parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Even the major cities turn a beautiful shade of amber and orange, and it's one of the best times to tour the Diamond State. This fall road trip in Delaware will be the best scenic drive you can take!
Best Winter Road Trip In Delaware
Route: Wilmington > Hockessin > New Castle >Townsend > Odessa > Milford > Cape Henlopen State Park > Rehoboth Beach
Distance: 132 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours
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During the holiday season, it's practically a requirement to check out some of the most unbelievable light displays in the state! From small towns with quaint, lit shopping districts to Santa's very own house, these light stops will surely brighten your holiday season. This Delaware holiday lights road trip will put you in the spirit of the season.
Family-Friendly Delaware Road Trip
Route: Winterthur > Hagley Museum > Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge > Bowers Beach Maritime Museum > Abbott's Mill Nature Center > Cape Henlopen State Park
Distance: 120 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours 26 minutes
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Have you ever wanted to discover some of the most magical places around the First State? If so, you should consider taking the
fairy tale road trip through Delaware. This trip will keep the entire family enchanted along the way and create memories your children will cherish. Don't be surprised when you consider this one of the best road trips in Delaware.
Road Trip to Delaware Landmarks & Natural Wonders
Route: Alapocas Run State Park > White Clay Creek State Park > Woodland Beach > Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge > Cape Henlopen State Park > Trap Pond State Park > Killens Pond State Park > Augustine Wildlife Area > Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge
Distance: 261 miles
Trip Time: 5 hours 41 minutes
Starting at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, DE, this road trip is full of natural wonders around the state. If there's one must-do road trip in Delaware it's certainly this one as you'll get to see some of the most beautiful spots on the east coast.
Delaware's small towns are lively and charming, with a sense of community that really resonates with all of those who visit. Check out some of the tiniest towns in the state during the spring on this Delaware road trip, and enjoy all of the friendly faces (and delicious restaurants) that these little towns proudly show off.
So, which Delaware road trip adventure resonates with you the most? The best weekend road trips in Delaware? Quick road trips in Delaware? What are some of your favorite places to visit in the state? What do you consider to be the best road trips in Delaware? Tell us in the comments!